🕉️ Vishnu (as Purushottama)
Adhik Maas — the leap month, occurs approximately every 3 years
Purushottam Maas (Adhik Maas)
Purushottam Maas (also called Adhik Maas or Mal Maas) is the sacred leap month that occurs every approximately 3 years in the Hindu lunisolar calendar. When Vishnu heard this "extra month" had no ruling deity and would be neglected, he blessed it with his own name (Purushottama) and declared it a month for intensified spiritual practice with double the merit of ordinary months. Every ritual — fasts, puja, mantra recitation, charity — carries double effect during this month.
🔔 Puja Vidhi
- Rise at Brahma Muhurta throughout the month
- Take a river bath (or river-name-invoked home bath) daily
- Read one full Vishnu Sahasranama daily
- Feed 33 Brahmins on a chosen day
- Offer 33 items of the same kind (fruit, flowers, cloth) as charity
- Perform Satyanarayan Puja twice in the month (on both Purnimas if timing allows)
📜 Rules
- No weddings, thread ceremonies, or new ventures during Adhik Maas
- Emphasis on charity and mantra recitation
- The "extra" nature of the month makes it ideal for extra spiritual practice
Read the full vrat katha
📖 Open the katha in the Devotional Library
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next Purushottam Maas? +
Occurs approximately every 32-33 months. Check current-year panchang for exact dates — the next Adhik Maas is calculated by the Metonic cycle used in Vedic astronomy.
Related vrats
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